I like Restaurant.com for its regular deals, but I love it when the gift certificates are 70 or even 80% off. A few weeks ago I snatched a bunch of certificates totaling $135 in savings and costing me a grand $19.80. The best part of these certificates is having the ability to try a restaurant that’s usually out of my league since the certificate generally covers an entire entree. So two weeks ago I was able to try Black Duck, a “higher-end” restaurant (it’s all relative) that’s just a few blocks from the office.
After checking out the menu online and seeing dishes for $22-35, my friend thought I was a little nuts to suggest it. But when I told her that I had $25 to the place, she happily agreed to go. I’ve had to keep it really cheap the past few weeks, so we kept to waters for drinks and we only ordered two entrees, no appetizers or desserts. I know, we’re cheapskates, but trust me, we tipped more than 20% to make it up to the waitress.
The inside of the place was beautiful – very 20s-esque and classy. I’d absolutely come back for happy hour drinks (glasses of wine are very affordable at $5) just to enjoy the ambiance. However that night we sat outside which was lovely as well. They brought us free bread and olives in olive oil, so that was a nice perk.
While our hostess/waitress wasn’t knowledgeable, she was quite nice and tried to do her best. I had the sesame crusted wasabi tuna, cooked rare, and it was absolutely delicious. Six very fresh tasting (even for seafood on a Monday night, which Anthony Bourdain says is a no-no) slices of tuna served with jasmine rice and a nice vegetable side. My friend wanted the same dish, but in the spirit of diversifying our dining experience, she ordered the roasted east coast halibut with a buttery, sweet corn risotto and sautéed spinach. It was definitely richer than the tuna, but it was also delicious.
I really enjoyed it and was happy to have the Restaurant.com certificate to push me to try the restaurant. I’d definitely go again if my dad wants to take me out, but if you’d like to check it out before your parents are in town, I suggest buying a certificate on Restaurant.com and going yourself. Oh, and a two quick things to note: they have an all-year $35 3-course prix fixe dinner and live jazz on Friday and Saturday nights.
The Basics
Name: Black Duck
Location: 122 e. 28th Street
Who to bring: parents, a date to impress
Price: Regularly it’s expensive – $$$-$$$$$. But with a Restaurant.com certificate it’s $$-$$$.
Overall: Very good, albeit it a little on the pricey side for me. 4 Stars.
